What does a quality assurance analyst do?

What is a Quality Assurance Analyst?

A quality assurance analyst is someone who ensures an organization's software is working properly. After the software developers build a program, quality assurance analysts test it. Software programs often freeze, don't work properly on certain operating systems, or may be missing key features. Quality assurance analysts stop problems before they begin by working in a testing environment even before software is released to the public. This reduces any frustration and wasted time, and ultimately benefits the entire organization.

A quality assurance analyst may also be employed in a manufacturing plant, suggesting ways to improve overall quality. When a substandard product is detected, the analyst will reject it, take notes, and make recommendations so as to make sure it does not happen again. Regardless of setting, these analysts need to be highly detail-oriented, have excellent communication skills, be able to explain changes to products and procedures, and provide feedback.

What does a Quality Assurance Analyst do?

A quality assurance analyst tests software to ensure it functions properly and efficiently and makes suggestions to management about how to make it function better. This includes both new software or software that needs to be upgraded. Their main responsibility is to improve software products and applications, while keeping to defined timelines and budgets.

Quality assurance analysts often work within a testing environment and alongside a quality improvement team, allowing analysis to take place before software is released to the public. When a problem is identified, the reason behind its occurrence must be understood so that the issue can be corrected as quickly as possible as well as prevented in the future. A report listing the new changes needs to be generated in order to explain the tests and tweaks done to the software. They describe in detail the program, evaluation, methods of testing, and improvements made to the software.

Quality assurance analysts have a variety of tools that they can use in order to compare the software to user requirements, and make sure that the software functions according to those requirements. After testing, changes and improvements for software are recommended, and presented to web developers in order to make the appropriate changes.

Because quality assurance analysts work so closely with the software, they are often called upon to create training materials and to instruct users on how to use the software properly.

What is the workplace of a Quality Assurance Analyst like?

Quality assurance analysts work in a typical office environment and may be required to work overtime during evenings and weekends in order to meet certain deadlines. Some quality assurance analysts are able to work remotely, however most are required to be present in the office. They need to be comfortable working with others as they will be working in teams for the majority of the day.

Quality assurance analysts with experience or an academic background in the field in which they specialize may have stronger-than-average job prospects.